{"id":636,"date":"2020-03-05T18:51:33","date_gmt":"2020-03-05T18:51:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/?p=636"},"modified":"2021-06-29T11:29:49","modified_gmt":"2021-06-29T11:29:49","slug":"what-is-a-programmable-logic-controller","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/2020\/what-is-a-programmable-logic-controller\/05\/03\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Programmable Logic Controller?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs, and an Infographic you can use. <\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How does a programmable logic controller work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p> A PLC works like a computer. The CPU manipulates and processes input signals and executes instructions to control output devices.&nbsp; These are the controllers behind most modern industrial automation.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What are programmable logic controllers used for? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>PLCs are used in industrial settings for the control of light fixtures, machinery, and assembly lines. They are also used to control other things such as amusement park rides.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img data-attachment-id=\"637\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/2020\/what-is-a-programmable-logic-controller\/05\/03\/programmable-logic-controller-basics\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Programmable-Logic-Controller-Basics.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"800,2000\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Programmable-Logic-Controller-Basics\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Display photo of the basics of logic controllers&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Programmable-Logic-Controller-Basics-120x300.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Programmable-Logic-Controller-Basics-410x1024.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Programmable-Logic-Controller-Basics.jpg?fit=410%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Programmable Logic Controller Infographic \" class=\"wp-image-637\" width=\"522\" height=\"1304\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Programmable-Logic-Controller-Basics.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Programmable-Logic-Controller-Basics-120x300.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Programmable-Logic-Controller-Basics-410x1024.jpg 410w, https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Programmable-Logic-Controller-Basics-768x1920.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 522px) 85vw, 522px\" \/><figcaption>Download a high-quality PDF of this infographic below. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-file\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Programmable-Logic-Controller-Basics.pdf\">Programmable-Logic-Controller-Basics<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Programmable-Logic-Controller-Basics.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button\" download>Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Are there different types of PLCs?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p> Yes.  There are Relay Output PLCs, Transistor Output PLCs, and Triac Output PLCs.\u00a0 The name of each type of PLC  derives from its output.  Relay outputs are solid-state outputs or mechanical contacts.  Transistor outputs are solid-state switches, but can only handle DC current.  Low-power AC loads use Triac outputs.  This includes motor starters and lighting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mechanical design is another way to categorize PLCs.   For example, a &#8220;brick&#8221; is one type of PLC design.  This is a small PLC that includes the CPU, the power supply, and the inputs\/outputs in one small case.   One type of brick PLC is the  DirectLogic 05.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img data-attachment-id=\"1168\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/2020\/what-is-a-programmable-logic-controller\/05\/03\/d0-05da\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/D0-05DA.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1200,900\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"D0-05DA\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Photo of Direct Logic 05 which can be found at AX control&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/D0-05DA-300x225.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/D0-05DA-1024x768.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/D0-05DA-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"An example of a Brick PLC. \" class=\"wp-image-1168\" width=\"554\" height=\"415\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/D0-05DA-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/D0-05DA-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/D0-05DA-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/D0-05DA.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 554px) 85vw, 554px\" \/><figcaption>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/automation\/automation-direct\/directlogic-05\/D0-05DA\">Direct Logic D0-05DA<\/a> is a type of Brick PLC. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Other PLCs are modular.  Modular PLCs have a rack system that has space for different modules.  These modules can provide different functions and may act as the PLC&#8217;s power supply, I\/O, communication interface, or processor.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img data-attachment-id=\"1169\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/2020\/what-is-a-programmable-logic-controller\/05\/03\/directlogic-4051\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/DirectLogic-4051.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"368,178\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"DirectLogic-4051\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;DirectLogic 4051 products supplied by Autodirect&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/DirectLogic-4051-300x145.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/DirectLogic-4051.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/DirectLogic-4051.jpg\" alt=\"An example of a modular PLC \" class=\"wp-image-1169\" width=\"488\" height=\"236\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/DirectLogic-4051.jpg 368w, https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/DirectLogic-4051-300x145.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 488px) 85vw, 488px\" \/><figcaption>The<a href=\"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/automation\/automation-direct\/directlogic-405\"> Automation Direct DirectLogic 405<\/a> is an example of a modular PLC. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How are PLCs programmed?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p> PLCs use a traditional programming language that mimics circuit diagrams; <a href=\"https:\/\/automationindustrial.com\/blogs\/news\/the-basics-of-ladder-logic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">this is called ladder logic<\/a>. Other PLCs may use programming languages like Function Block Diagram (FBD), Instruction List (IL), Sequential Function Chart (SFC), or Structured Text (ST). IEC 61131\u20133 standard defines these languages. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What are the advantages of using a PLC?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p> There are several. PLCs are easy to install, maintain, and troubleshoot. They are flexible by nature and offer many different operations.  Also, they offer a rugged design specifically for industrial processes.  Finally, they&#8217;re cost-effective.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are There Disadvantages to PLCs? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The most common disadvantage to PLCs stems from interoperability or lack thereof.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Originally, manufacturers created PLCs using their own proprietary software and programming.  When machines did their own thing, separated from the rest of the machinery on the factory floor, that was fine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But now we have IIoT efficiencies to think about.  Machines need to &#8220;talk&#8221; to each other and share information.  Unfortunately, older PLC  design doesn&#8217;t allow this.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Luckily, industry groups are now working to solve this problem through new forms of open-access middleware like MQTT, AMQP, and CoAP.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need a PLC for your industrial processes, talk to the staff at AX Control today. We&#8217;re here to help! We offer many brands of PLC systems and replacement parts, including the popular <a href=\"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/automation\/ge-fanuc-plc\">GE Fanuc PLCs<\/a>. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A useful Infographic covering some of the most-asked questions about PLCs. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[9,10,121],"tags":[71,183,74,64,75],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What is a Programmable Logic Controller? - AX Control, Inc.<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What is a Programmable Logic Controller?\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/2020\/what-is-a-programmable-logic-controller\/05\/03\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What is a Programmable Logic Controller? 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Read on to learn some examples of PLCs in automation.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Automation&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"4 Examples of PLCs in Industrial Automation","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/CDZyDUBBhTKikjdo3sKoUxRLv11KXTSn1666368858.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":917,"url":"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/2020\/the-basics-of-ladder-logic\/31\/08\/","url_meta":{"origin":636,"position":1},"title":"Ladder Logic: Here are the Basics","date":"August 31, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"What is Ladder Logic? A Definition Ladder logic stems from the history of relays. At one time, relays were the primary control for most automatic systems. These electromechanical devices consisted of coils and contacts that they moved. 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